(Twitter)
A tour bus has crashed into a car near Epcot Center and Disney World in Orlando, Florida. One person is confirmed dead. Here’s what we know about the incident…
1. A Disney Tour Bus Smashed Into A Car
Disney Epcot Center (Getty)
A Disney Magical Express bus has crashed into a car near Epcot Center, crushing the vehicle. The accident occurred around 4:00 p.m., according to CFNEWS.
According to Local10, the bus does not have any major damage, but the backside of the passenger car was completely caved into the front of the vehicle. It appears that the bus hit the car from behind. Eye witness reports claim that the vehicle was slowing down before the collission, possibly due to engine mechanical problems, according to Fox Orlando.
The names of the drivers from either vehicles has not yet been released.
Disney has acknowledged the accident.
TRAFFIC ALERT: Vehicle crash w/ injuries in #Disney area, all lanes Epcot Center Dr BLOCKED http://t.co/gAe3VAqYOa pic.twitter.com/dvviQAL0BT
— WKMG Local 6 News (@clickorlando) August 16, 2013
2. One Person Confirmed Dead
The person travelling in the car at the time of the accident was confirmed dead at Celebration Hospital, according to the Florida Highway Patrol. The victim has been reported as being a 60-year-old woman.
BREAKING: One dead in car/bus crash on Epcot Center Drive near Disney. Victim is 60-y-o woman. Emergency crews on scene. #FOX35
— Sonni Abatta (@SonniAbatta) August 16, 2013
Another report indicates that the victim is a 63-year-old woman who was driving a Buick.
UPDATE: 63 y/o woman killed in crash w/#Disney bus on Disney property. She was the lone occupant in Buick that was rear-ended.
— Ryan Hughes – WFTV (@RHughesWFTV) August 16, 2013
3. Epcot Center Drive Is Closed In Both Directions
The accident has entirely closed Epcot Center Drive in both directions. The crash occurred near Epcot Center Drive at East Overpass Road. Epcot Center Drive is a main artery for vehicle traffic heading to or from the Walt Disney World Resort. The road was closed to make room for emergency vehicles to pass through.
FYI for those headed to WDW or already on property: Epcot Center Drive is backed up nearly to I-4. http://t.co/vpAx1IaMZw
— Kendra (@hintofspy) August 16, 2013
4. Disney Magical Express Is Owned By Mears Transportation
(mearstransportation.com)
According to wdwinfo.com, the bus is owned by Mears Transportation, but is rented out to Disney as a free shuttle to and from the Orlando International Airport.
A company spokesman has released a statement on the tragedy.
“Earlier today a Disney Magical Express bus owned and operated by Mears Transportation Group was involved in an accident with another automobile near Epcot Center Drive and Overpass Road in Orlando just after 3:30 p.m.
The Florida Highway Patrol is on the scene and handling the investigation.
We have been informed by FHP that one individual in the automobile involved died as a result of the accident and two individuals on board the bus were transported to Celebration Hospital. The extent of their injuries are unknown.
Our deepest sympathies go out to the family of the individual who tragically lost their life in this accident. We are cooperating fully with FHP.”
5. No Bus Passengers Were Seriously Hurt
(Getty)
Two people from the bus, including a child, have been transported to Celebration Health hospital as a precaution. One woman from the bus tweeted that the crash ‘traumatized’ her children.